Envy

A young, determined college student struggles to kickstart his career when his best friend turns up against him over a girl.

  • Randeep Nagi
    Director
  • Randeep Nagi
    Writer
  • Kartikay D Pawar
    Producer
  • Andrew Dunkin
    Key Cast
  • John William DiCaro
    Key Cast
  • Kayla Rushing
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 40 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 10, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    14,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - New York Film Academy
  • ONIROS Film Awards New York
    New York
    United States
    Award Winner
  • Cult Critic Movie Awards
    Kolkata
    India
    Award Winner
  • World Film Carnival - Singapore
    Singapore
    Singapore
    Award Winner
  • INDIE SHORT FEST
    Los Angeles
    United States
    Award Nominee
  • ARFF AMSTERDAM - Around International Film Awards
    Amsterdam
    Netherlands
    Official Selection
  • Kerala Short Film Festival
    Kerala
    India
    Official Selection
  • Independent Shorts Awards
    Los Angeles
    United States
    Official Selection
  • STOCKHOLM City Film Festival
    Stockholm
    Sweden
    Finalist
Director Biography - Randeep Nagi

Randeep Nagi is a filmmaker, editor, and colorist recognized for his distinctive storytelling and cinematic vision. He wrote, directed, and post-produced Envy, a short film that delves into the intricacies of human emotion and psychological conflict. A graduate of the New York Film Academy, Randeep has honed his craft across multiple facets of filmmaking, from cinematography to post-production. His work is defined by its evocative imagery and deep exploration of themes like envy, insecurity, and power dynamics.

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Director Statement

Envy is a deeply personal exploration of a trait I have observed far too often that lays the foundation for jealousy. The idea for this film stems from real-life experiences and the unsettling reality of how envy, when left unchecked, can corrode even the strongest of bonds.

At its core, Envy is a psychological drama that dissects the fragility of human relationships, the unspoken rivalries that fester beneath the surface, and the emotional cost of insecurity. Once seemingly unshakable, Richard and Paulie’s friendship begins to unravel when it’s put to the test. As Richard’s resentment grows, his actions become a desperate attempt to assert control—only to find himself even more lost and alone.

This story is universal. We have all witnessed, or perhaps even experienced, the destructive power of jealousy—how it distorts perception, poisons affection, and turns friends into adversaries. Through this film, I aim to hold a mirror to these emotions, sparking introspection and conversations about the unseen battles we fight within ourselves.

Visually, I wanted to craft an immersive experience that captures the shifting dynamics of power and vulnerability. The use of color, framing, and sound design is intentional—each choice reinforces the tension and psychological descent of the characters. My goal is to make audiences feel the weight of Richard’s envy, the suffocating nature of insecurity, and the quiet devastation of lost friendship.

With Envy, I hope to illuminate a fundamental flaw in human nature—one that we rarely confront, yet one that silently shapes our relationships and choices.